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But it wouldn't have been possible without Brighton city council's December passage of an ordinance described as an "emergency" -- even though it was dealing with an amendment that had been in force since the dawn of the decade.

The December 15 ordinance -- read it here -- is among the most sweeping in the area. The temporary moratorium extends to June 15, and prohibits "the establishment of a medical marijuana dispensary, place of cultivation, storage and other related activities within the city in any manner during the moratorium; directing the city manager and staff to monitor and review all legislative enactments adopted by the general assembly related to marijuana; conduct such studies as may be required to determine what measures related to medical marijuana dispensaries, cultivation, storage and related activities, if any, should be adopted to protect the public healthy, safety and welfare; and make recommendations to the city council as to medical marijuana dispensaries, cultivation, storage and related activities within the city of Brighton; declaring an emergency; and setting forth other details related thereto."

However, Brighton successfully rammed through its ordinance, which hasn't been challenged by any medical marijuana advocacy organizations. And now, the community has provided invaluable publicity to those factions eager to tighten down current regulations.

Michael Roberts has written for Westword since October 1990, serving stints as music editor and media columnist. He currently covers everything from breaking news and politics to sports and stories that defy categorization.